The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) wanted to remind members the South Dakota Department of Health recently released three important Request for Proposals/Request for Applications (RFP/RFAs) supporting the Rural Health Transformation Project. These opportunities provide significant funding to strengthen South Dakota’s rural health care workforce, EMS systems and digital health.
1. Building a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce Education (RFP-26-09RHT-019)
This RFP seeks qualified organizations to design and implement a comprehensive rural health education and workforce development strategy. The goal is to expand access to high-quality training and support both current and future healthcare professionals across rural and frontier communities.
- Funding: Up to $3 million (Year 1; multiple awards anticipated)
- Due Date: June 5, 2026
- Eligibility: Universities, technical colleges, and organizations providing healthcare training
- Key Dates: Questions due May 22, 2026
2. Enhancing Sustainable EMS Regional Hub Development and Oversight Consultant (RFP-26-09RHT-018)
This RFP focuses on establishing regional EMS hubs to improve coordination, efficiency, and system performance statewide.
- Funding: Up to $8 million (Year 1)
- Due Date: June 1, 2026
- Eligibility: Public, private, nonprofit, and consulting organizations with relevant EMS and rural health experience
- Key Dates: Questions due May 15, 2026
3. Digital Health Modernization and Technology Grant Program (RFA# 26-09RHT-020)
This RFP is designed to support healthcare entities and providers, particularly those serving underserved and rural communities in South Dakota, in modernizing their digital health technology and equipment to enhance patient safety, improve interoperability, increase operational efficiency, and improve patient outcomes.
- Funding: $89,343,743
- Due Date: June 30, 2026
- Eligibility: Federally Qualified Health Centers, Critical Access Hospitals, Tribally operated clinics, Community-Based Mental Health Centers, Long Term Post-Acute Care Facilities, other South Dakota healthcare services providers or organizations and more.
- Key Dates: SD Health Link is hosting two technical assistance calls on May 14 at 10 AM CT and June 11 at 3 PM CT. Register for the sessions and review application resources at Rural Health Transformation – SD Health Link
You can find the RFPs by clicking on the Event Documents tab and downloading the PDF files:
- Building a Sustainable Rural Healthcare Workforce Education (RFP-26-09RHT-019)
- Enhancing Sustainable Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Regional Hub Development and Oversight Consultant (RFP-26-09RHT-018)
- Digital Health Modernization and Technology Grant Program (RFA# 26-09RHT-020)
Members interested in applying are encouraged to review the full RFP/RFA documents for complete requirements and submission details, including instructions for submitting questions.
For the latest information, check the SDAHO RHTP webpage or the South Dakota Department of Health RHTP website.
